Wong Fei-Hung Lives in Cyberspace While doing research on the original “Wong Fei-Hung Theme” on the internet, the editors of BLT Magazine, came across quite a few historical sites/webpages on Wong Fei-Hong. The most incredible finds were a couple of dance remixes of the “Wong Fei-Hong Theme” on Napster. Long Lives Wong Fei-Hong!

Paying homage to martial arts and its legends are nothing new. The Hong Kong movie industry, especially the Shaw Brothers, was the first to bring martial arts to popular culture. Recently, even Hollywood has joined the band wagon with movies like The Matrix, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Charlie's’ Angels. Even American pop music has “sampled” a little from the martial arts. The 60s, the legendary Elvis finished some of his live performances with his famous kick and stance The 70s bought us catchy song “Everybody Wants Kung Fu Fighting”. In the 90s, the Wu-Tang Clan and its members all has practiced the arts and taken “martial arts” names. Most recently, New York musician, Edward Ratliff, gave us his take on one of most popular martial arts theme music. The “Wong Fei-Hung Theme”. This name is synonymous with Gung-Fu (Kung-Fu). Wong was one of the most imitated martial arts legend in Hong Kong martial arts movies. The recent popularity of martial arts has led to an increased interest in Wong Fei-Hung and his legacy. As for Wong, it is testament to his greatness as a Gung-Fu master, that despite the hundreds of movies, publications, and television shows dedicated to his life story, modern actors such as Jet Li and Jackie Chan are still eager to portray this great Gung-Fu master. * * * Wong the Man * * * Born in 1847, Wong is recognized as the Father of modern Hung Gar. He is especially renowned for his integrity, righteousness and moral values. Wong faced challenges by many skilled and famous fighters during his lifetime, but none were able to defeat him. Eventually, his reputation as a skilled and moral Gung-Fu master spread throughout China. By his early twenties, Wong was known as one of the “Ten Fighters of Canton”, a title bestowed upon the most skilled fighters in the area. As an adult, he taught Gung-Fu to the Navy in Canton and the Fifth Regiment of the Gwan Dong Army. Upon moving to Fukien, he became the right-hand man of General Tong Gin Cheong. Tong was a resistance fighter who opposed the oppressive Ching government. During the late Ching dynasty, Wong opened two herbal medicine shops. He developed his own Dit Da medicine, and established a reputation as one of the top four physicians in Southern China. One of Wong’s greatest legacies to Hung Gar was his development of the Fu Hok Sheong Yin Kuen, or the Tiger and Crane set. This technique helped to formalize Hung Gar’s major techniques. Wong is also famous for choreographing both the Tiger Tail Kick and the Shadowless Kick. He died in 1933 at the age of 83. © Anja Hitzenberger Portrait of Mr. Ratliff * * * Wong Meets Mr. Ratliff * * * Wong’s life has provided inspiration for many. Not only has Wong’s legacy inspired martial arts practitioners and movie stars, but it has extended to music as well. In fact, Edward Ratliff and his New York City-based band Rhapsodalia, recently released a music CD titled “Wong Fei-Hung meets Little Strudel”. © Anja Hitzenberger Cover of CD Wong Fei-Hung meets Little Strudel Ratliff was especially intrigued with the idea of expressing movement with sound since he had composed music for dance choreography. About five years ago, Ratliff started watching martial arts films at the Chinatown movie theatres. He was influenced by what he felt were beautiful Gung-Fu movements and wanted to find a way to incorporate these movements into his music. In writing “When the Master’s Away”, Ratliff would mentally replay scenes from Once Upon a Time in China #6. Those familiar with this movie can actually imagine the different Gung-Fu movements when listening to the different counterpoints in Ratliff’s song. Ratliff’s “Wong Fei-Hong Theme” was written as a dedication to Wong’s legacy. It is a witty “East meets West” piece that includes the original “Wong Fei-Hong Theme” movie sound clips. In composing a song to Wong’s legacy, Ratliff hoped to capture the virtue and heroism of Wong’s life. © Alex Shum Hung Yan-yan (Xiong Xin-xin), a great martial artist and actor, on the set of "Once Upon a Time in China & America." © Alex Shum Jet Li (kicking) with Sammo Hung (director) on the set of "Once Upon a Time in China & America." Wong Fei-Hong’s continuing legacy has truly been immortalized throughout the years. He was truly a great Gung-Fu master in his lifetime. His legend has continued to inspire his admirers even in this new millennium. More importantly, the fact that Wong is still renown for his expertise and moral character shows that a true master of martial arts excels in both physical and spiritual endeavors. Find out more on Edward Ratliff and his music on his website at http://www.strudel.net. To listen to Edward Ratliff's Wong Fei-Hong Theme go to http://www.strudel.net/music/listen.html ***Reported by Susan Yang

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